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April 12, 2012

Iowa Crush

By Jared Curtis

Some of the toughest chicks in town

The D-Line prepares to pounce on the offense during an Iowa Crush game. The 2012 Iowa Crush home opener against the Wisconsin Warriors takes place at Martensdale-St. Marys Stadium in Martensdale on Saturday, April 14 at 3 p.m. Admission is $10 (kids 10 and under are free) and $5 for military and seniors. For more information, visit www.theiowacrush.com.

Are you ready for some football? Fans better be as the Iowa Crush, Des Moines’ original women’s tackle football team, returns to action in their home opener on Saturday, April 14 against the Wisconsin Warriors. Women from across the state come together to hit, score touchdowns and walk off the field with a victory.

“I was looking for something to keep me in shape, and I’m a fan of football, so I thought it was the perfect solution,” said Robin Venega, a third year cornerback and wide receiver. “I had seen the posters around town and went to a few games. I heard about tryouts, so a friend and I went. It was a tough tryout, and I didn’t think I was going to make it, but we both did.”

The Iowa Crush is a part of the Independent Women’s Football League (IWFL), which was founded in 2000 by a group of women dedicated to making the sport a household name. The IWFL currently has more than 1,600 women playing on 51 teams across North America. The Crush play in the Mid West Division with four other teams from Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In the past, they have played their home games at Valley Stadium, but due to scheduling conflicts, the Crush will play at Martensdale-St. Mary Stadium for two of their home games.

“We had to look for a different venue, and our owner, Jen McIntire, tried everywhere. With soccer and other sports going on, it was tough to find a place,” Venega said. “But she had heard of another team playing at Martensdale, and they were very receptive to the idea.”

People who assume the game isn’t as hard-hitting or athletic as the men’s version will have an eye-opening experience. Not only do the ladies hit hard, most of them play iron man style, playing both offense and defense.

“Playing offense and defense is physically taxing,” Venega said. “But it also gives you more knowledge of the game. You can read your opponent and know what’s coming next. The more you know, the more you play.”

A new player to the team, Christine Dorenkamp, agrees.

“Playing both offense and defense is a great learning experience,” said Dorenkamp, who plays free safety and wide receiver. “I learn a lot about what to and what not to do by defending and playing against my positions.”

As one of the oldest players on the team, Venega knows she has to work hard. But her drive and ambition also help other players on the team.

“People are pretty surprised when I tell them I play,” she laughs. “I think I help motivate the younger players to work hard, especially when I start beating them.”

Fans of all ages are welcome to stop out and see some tough chicks kicking butt, gridiron style.

“It’s a great, family-friendly event and the perfect way to spend an afternoon,” Venega said. “Don’t be fooled because we’re women; we hit just as hard as the men, and you’ll know that when you hear the helmets crack.” CV